The defending Calder Cup Trophy champs, who own a 2-0 lead against Abbotsford in the first round of the best-of-five Western Conference quarterfinals series, host Game 3 Wednesday, April 30 at Van Andel Arena and are already guaranteed of their best playoff home-opening crowd since 2001.

Griffins team officials said early Tuesday presale tickets for the 7 p.m. game have surpassed 5,400 at the 10,834-seat Van Andel Arena. That is the most since 7,144 for the IHL home opener in 2001 against the Cleveland Lumberjacks.

With a win, the Griffins would sweep the series. Games four and five would be at Van Andel on Friday and Saturday, as necessary.

It continues a pattern of strong attendance in Grand Rapids. During the regular season, the Griffins averaged 8,220 a game, second in the 30-team AHL behind Hershey (9.964) and the most for the franchise since 8,819 in 1999-2000, The Griffins had capacity crowds in four of their last six regular-season games.

The overall attendance figure also benefited from the Hockeytown Winter Festival at Comerica Park on Dec. 30. The Griffins were credited with the home attendance of 20,397 for the outdoor game against Toronto.

The Griffins have had attendance increase four consecutive seasons and seven of the past eight.

Last year’s playoff home opener, in Game 3 against Houston, attracted 4,683. Overall, they averaged 5,566 in 13 home playoff games en route to the franchise’s first Calder Cup Trophy.

Early playoff rounds in the AHL are often a difficult draw because of a short lead time that impacts group sales. The first four home playoff games are included for Griffins season ticket holders.